USFAS (Mali) ready to take on Africa’s elite – Coach Amadou Cissé: “Facing the continent’s best teams is an exciting challenge.”

After a memorable triumph in the WAFU-A qualifying tournament in Dakar, USFAS has emerged as Mali’s new standard-bearer in women’s football. Disciplined, united, and tactically sound, the military club dominated the regional qualifiers to earn its historic ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League 2025.

Under the guidance of coach Amadou Cissé, USFAS overcame regional heavyweights such as Senegal’s Aigles de la Médina and Liberia’s Determine Girls, relying on collective strength and mental resilience. Their victory marks a turning point for women’s football in Mali, which for years had been largely dominated by AS Mandé.

“The lack of domestic competition used to limit the overall level of the national league,” says Cissé. “But things have changed. Today, we have five or six strong teams competing seriously for titles. That growth has made a big difference.”

Despite missing several key players currently with Mali’s senior national team, Cissé is preparing his squad with humility and ambition, determined to represent Mali with pride on the continental stage.

CAFOnline.com Interview – Amadou Cissé (USFAS Coach)

CAFOnline.com: Coach, you’re about to experience your first CAF Women’s Champions League. How did you view the competition before qualifying for it?
Amadou Cissé: It’s a wonderful competition that brings together the best clubs in Africa. The level is very high. I’ve followed the past editions and always admired the organization and quality of play. Being part of it now is a great honour for me and for the team.

CAFOnline.com: How is your preparation going ahead of the 2025 edition?
Cissé: We’ve started well, but progress is a bit slowed because several of our players are currently on national duty for the WAFCON qualifiers — almost half of my squad. For now, we’re working with a reduced group, but once everyone returns, we’ll be able to finalize our preparations properly.

CAFOnline.com: What is the mindset of your players going into this historic competition?
Cissé: The players are excited, motivated and aware of what this moment represents. Qualifying through the WAFU-A tournament was already a great achievement; the Champions League will be another milestone. They can’t wait to test themselves at this level.

CAFOnline.com: How do you balance excitement and confidence before such a major challenge?
Cissé: It’s all about balance. Too much excitement can disrupt focus, and overconfidence can be dangerous. We try to stay calm and concentrated — motivated but grounded.

CAFOnline.com: You’ll now face the best clubs from across Africa. How do you approach that challenge?
Cissé: It’s a very stimulating challenge! We’ll meet the champions of other regional zones, which means an even higher level of play than in Dakar. We know it will be tough from the very first minute, but we are determined to be ready and to compete.

CAFOnline.com: What are your objectives for this first appearance?
Cissé: We’ll approach it with humility. Our first goal is to learn and gain experience. If we start well, we can dream of reaching the knockout stages — and from there, anything can happen.

CAFOnline.com: Mali has previously been represented by AS Mandé. How do you assess the growth of women’s football in Mali and across Africa?
Cissé: The progress has been significant. Mali now has several competitive clubs, which makes our league stronger. Across Africa, the women’s game has advanced tremendously — our players are now competing with European and South American teams, and many are signing abroad. The gap is closing fast.

CAFOnline.com: This year’s edition is special, with the winner qualifying for the first-ever FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in England. What are your thoughts on that?
Cissé: It’s a fantastic development. Like the men’s game, this will give African clubs the opportunity to face the best teams in the world — Lyon, Chelsea, Barcelona, and others. It’s a huge opportunity to grow and gain international experience. It will push African football forward.

CAFOnline.com: On a personal level, what does this moment mean to you?
Cissé: It’s a dream come true. In my young coaching career, participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League is a milestone. I feel proud, grateful, and eager to learn. Representing my country, facing Africa’s best coaches and clubs — it’s a priceless experience.

CAFOnline.com: A final word for your supporters?

Cissé: Our supporters are our “12th player.” Their support has always been crucial. Thanks to them, we won the domestic double before heading to the WAFU-A qualifiers. Their welcome in Bamako after our victory was unforgettable. Even if they can’t all travel with us, we feel their presence. We’ll give everything — for them, for the club, and for Mali.

USFAS will now carry Mali’s hopes into the next edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League, determined to make their mark and showcase the growing strength of Malian women’s football on the continental stage.